It's a BOY!!!!

The top one is a shot of the legs, and the bottom is a profile. It's a boy!! Due around Mother's Day in mid-May '09. Yes, we have a name. No, we won't tell you. :) It's really, really good though!! :)

Cutting down the huge tree with Grampy Poole, Opened up snazzy new shirt from Carlene(and pants, which he's not wearing due to the jammies), Abominable snow-Hans, Skiing with mommy's shoes.

Esther dresses up

Esther opens her pretty new Christmas dress, Esther dresses herself in royal garb (or rags), Daddy's t-shirt, getting some air outside, mommy's skis err- shoes.

good trip

For all of those wondering if Lance ever made it home from the Czech Republic..... he did!!
Safe and sound. He had a wonderful trip, and said it only felt like he had been gone for a day. (wish I could've said the same... :) He worked with the small children and youth, and was greatly appreciated. He enjoyed going back to the country he has visited two previous times. Czech is a beautiful place, with a great need for Christ.

Huzzyband

I really miss my husband, or as I call him, my huzzyband. He is currently in the Czech Republic, which is far, far away. Esther asked for daddy today, and I said, "he still isn't home, Esther. Do you know where he is?" she smartly answered, "across the ocean, in Iowa." Close, but no cigar. These past few days have been really good for my prayer life, but hard on the heart. It's so silly, I know.... so many people do this all the time. Single parents, busy business parents, and so on. I just don't know HOW they do it. I guess you learn to really lean on God. A whole week without Lance is like a whole week of lukewarm showers. You still get the job done, but it's not very fun. I'm not saying I'm not glad he can do this trip to help the missionaries over there, I just miss him on this end. :) Praying for you, Sweetie.

fall time

It was a lovely fall day a couple weeks ago, and we spent much of the day playing in the leaves.

Really really sweet

The kids were quiet for two minutes. I knew something was up. Upon further investigation, I found them both huddled over an object in the porch. They were reluctant to let me see.... the SYRUP container they had successfully opened, seal and all. They were enjoying themselves. A lot. Esther had even managed to create her own "melting pot" experience. She found an old, crusty piece of bread and dunked it in the bottle. Only problem was that she couldn't get it back out. I managed not to let them see me laughing hysterically, and Lance and I eventually got them all cleaned up. Pretty creative.

This morning

This morning came early. For me, anyway. I'm pregnant, and I really would love to just sleep the day away... but I can't. Life happens, all the time! Lance left to meet a friend for biblestudy at 5:45 am. That's the middle of the night. ( in my world) Hans woke up at 6:00am. It was dark, and stormy, and man, I wished it were night. I was so mad. I played dead for a while, but he started getting noisy. I told him to come lay on Daddy's side of the bed, and he did. One thing that really changes for me during pregnancy is sense of smell. It is heightened to an insane height, and really makes me wonder some days if people can die from over-smellness. Anyway, Mr. Hans doesn't understand the unspoken rule in our house about no pooping before 7 am. That's ususally not a problem for anyone, since we're SLEEPING. Eventually, he got bored and went back to driving his noisy new toys from his birthday. Too late. The stench had already stained the lining of my nostrils, and I was really irrate. I told God how mad I was and that it was already a terrible day and I hadn't even gotten out of bed yet, and blah blah blah. I felt like I was supposed to read my bible. I told God I wasn't quite in the mood yet. He waited for me. I felt bad for telling Him that, and read it anyway. I opened up to Psalms, and read over and over about how we need to praise God all the time. Basically, "if you have breath, Praise Him." Rats. I guess I still had breath even though it was hard to breathe that cloudy air... I got kind of frustrated again. "God, why are you always RIGHT?!" I decided to give it a shot. He deserves it no matter what is going on. He's God, and that doesn't change what He requests of us. So, I praised Him in the wee hours of dawn. I still didn't have an awesome morning, but you know what? That doesn't matter. He matters. He loves us. Let's praise Him because He conquered a lot more than just stinky air. He conquered death. That's a wake-up call! Thank you, Jesus.

New blogs to check out

I admit it, I don't really know this woman , but she has really spoken to my heart recently. I found her site on a friend's blog, and have absolutely loved reading her postings. She is the wife of "Selah's" Todd (the Christian music group). Todd is one of three vocalists in the group, and has an amazing story. If you're looking for an incredible display of God's hand at work, check this out. She's hilarious (read the "chicken" story) but also shares the deepest sorrows of her heart, and how God is using that for His glory. "Bring the Rain".

Another new one.... Laura Westrum is originally from the metro area here in MN, and now is over in Romania. She is a principal in her school, and a missionary. She is a great source of inspiration, and shows what real life looks like as a missionary over-seas. She works hard for God's kingdom!!
check out "Westrum Wanderings."

Precious words

I never knew that a few simple words could make me feel as if I were standing on top of the world! As I was lying Esther down for her nap, she hugged my neck and said, "Esther wove mom." Translated, "Esther loves mom!" Man, I felt like I was flying! Some days are really frustrating, but then you have some sweet moment like this, and it's all worth it. I wonder if that's how our Lord feels when we honestly tell Him we love Him.

6 facts

A friend "tagged" me and said it's my turn to write down 6 little-known facts about myself. I'm supposed to "tag" 6 other people on their blogs and have them do the same thing. I don't know 6 other people. I mean, on their blogs. So, if you feel like you want to do this too, have at it. It sounds like fun. :)


1. I grew up the eldest of 5 kids. We all have the same 2 parents even though we don't all look related.

2. I don't ever EVER want a dog. They are excessively hairy, stinky, dirty, and besides, I have enough poop to clean up. P.s. whoever says dogs have cleaner mouths than humans hasn't ever WATCHED one for longer than 2 minutes. yuk. Now a disclaimer: Some dogs are just fine, and even very nice, but I still don't want one.

3. I used to schedule playtime with my siblings on my very empty calendar. When the day would finally come, I would tell them I was busy. :( Bad, bad, bad. Don't worry, my mom would make me keep my promise and play with them anyway.

4. My best friend has the same first and middle name as I do. We married guys with the same last initial. JLP!!!

5. My husband and I are seemingly quite fertile. We've been married 5 years. We've had 4 pregnancies in the last 44 months. :0

6. From time to time, I get strong urges to go to crystal chandelier stores. With a baseball bat. Wouldn't that be fun? I mean, if there were no consequences and no one was hurt, etc. Oh man, I can feel the itch....

you name it

Just for fun, what would you name a goat? We're not planning on getting one anytime soon, but it's something fun to think about.
We picked "Zero-turn." I guess for short you could just call him, "Zero."
why not.

same 'ol site

hey, I don't want anyone to worry... this is still Jennifer Poole's blog- just a new look. what do you think? the picture has nothing to do with it.... i just like fresh raspberries from Annette's garden!!

the Daddy dress

I have to brag a bit on my husband. He took Esther out on her 1 1/2 year birthday on a Daddy date. They went to Perkins and had a great time... he wrote her a sweet letter which he read to her at the restaurant, and she wore her very special Daddy dress. This dress was made when Lance was 7 years old. He helped make it for his cousin, and then they saved it and sent it back to us when we had Esther. Lance did all the blue and green needlework on the front bodice of the dress. Esther was quite proud of herself. I was quite proud of them.

The green dress

My sisters and I always thought my aunt Dawn's green dress was gorgeous.... (and still do, of course!) and I had the enjoyment of borrowing it to snag a free smoothie!! The Jamba Juice store in Edina had a deal where if you dressed up like 80's prom, you'd get a free smoothie. We had a lot of fun, especially because no one else in Edina really knew why we were dressed so snazzy. Thank you, Dawn!

bunnies

I was reading a book about bunnies to Hans.
Me: Aren't bunnies nice, Hans?
Hans: Yes. I like to eat them.

"Therefore since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." Hebrews 12:1

Have you been watching the Olympics? It's so incredible to see such talented athletes giving their ultimate performances. We saw the final women's 400m baton race. Wow! The women who won it had her eyes fixed on the finish line. The women she passed in the last few steps did not have her gaze set on the finish, but rather on her competitors. What a reminder to myself to be pursuing our Lord, and not all the other "stuff" that can be so distracting.

Remembering Isaac

When you mention the date 8-8-08 t0 most people, they probably think, "Olympics!"
When I hear that date, I think of our baby that may very well have been born to us at St.Francis hospital on the 8th. Our due date was actually the 12th, but since Esther was a few days early on hers, and my favorite number is 8, we are considering this our due date. We are remembering our child as he is now in heaven, and we can't wait to meet him. We miscarried in January of this year, after excitedly announcing to everyone at Christmas the great news. We gave a picture frame to Lance's folks with a drawing resembling a necklace I wear with a diamond for each child. It had 3 sparkles instead of 2, thus giving the joyous news.

Isaac

Your little name is Isaac
we saw you in a dream
You're smiling with Jesus
You're dancing with the King

We went to hear your heartbeat

we waited for the sound

Could've heard a pin drop
the silence was so loud

I've never shed more tears

than in the parking lot that day

I don't know why you're home
but Jesus wanted it that way

We have so many questions...

Why'd you have to go?

Why can I not hold you?
Things we'll never know

God knows all the answers

to things in our hearts and minds

We just have to trust him
in Him our rest we'll find

On Him we are falling

to Him we dearly cling

He gives and takes; sometime it breaks
but to His name our hearts still sing

Glory to the Lord,

our Savior reigns on high!

He is our love, our Adonai,
Messiah is our King

Jesus, thank you, Jesus

Your ways are so far above

I don't understand your gracious hand
but I know that you are love

Isaac, I want to hold you

I want to have you near

but God know best, it's time to rest

with Him and not down here

Goodbye my darling baby

You are so blessed to see

our Redeemer's face, His saving grace
You are so immensely free

Your little name is Isaac

we saw you in a dream

You're laughing now with Jesus

You're dancing with our king

Yes, you're playing, running, singing, clapping,
living with the King!

Woo-hoooo!!!!

It happened!! Never really thought it would..... but it happened!! Hans voluntarily went #2 in the potty today!!! Wonderful, wonderful day!! Immediately proceeding the momentous occasion, we packed everyone into the car and drove to the store to purchase the much anticipated truck as a sizable award for the effort and production of well, you know. He is now lying in his bed "taking a nap" as he plays with his new wheeled treasure. Annette has really been working a lot with him this past week on training, and it's been paying off. I haven't had the guts to dive into that very much yet. Thank you, Annette!!

Brownies

Great brownies that sound terrible.... but they're somewhat good for you!!!!
I was completely skeptical when I heard about these, but after I tried them, I was a believer..... try out this recipe from Weight Watchers!

1 box of your favorite brownie mix ( I like the triple chunk ones from Betty Crocker)
1 can of plain black beans


Put entire contents of can in blender and blend until it is completely smooth.
Add brownie mix, and stir.
Follow cooking directions on chosen brownie box.
Enjoy!!!


I usually add a few handfuls of raspberries or nuts or something of the like.

Chill out

Here's my new favorite blended drink.

1 or 1 1/2 cups chilled brewed coffee
1 packet hot chocolate mix
2 scoops of chocolate icecream
a few shakes of cinnamon
a few drops of almond flavoring

Blend ( in a blender)

Add a couple cups of ice
Finish blending.


enjoy, and keep out of sight of children. They like it too!!

Veins

"take me out of the ballgame... take me out of the crowd!"
I just couldn't do it. Couldn't stand there, watching our team get creamed and not say something. It must have worked, because after my veins started to split with the enthusiasm, we started getting the hits and runs. I'd like to think it was because of me, and in reality, it may have been because the team was tired of hearing me yell so they took out aggression on the ball. I don't really know. What I do know is that I shouldn't go to many of these softball championship things anymore, because I can't seem to keep quiet and let mean comments from the other team roll off. I've got veins, man. Veins from a throat that you can hear loud and clear. They used to tell me to speak up in high school. I did. Hear me now!! I feel somewhat sheepish today, especially because we went to church and lots of those same guys that heard me yesterday were giving me strange sideways glances today. That's right. 'Ol yeller, here. I didn't say anything bad, I was just loud and zealous. -sigh-. Good thing I'm not a soccer mom... yet.

You'll never believe what my husband did.....

Lance did something awesome... he told me to have a sleepover!!! He came up with the idea of letting my friend and I have the whole house to ourselves for a girls' night. He took the kids to my mom's house to watch them there, and they all slept great and had a terrific time. My friend and I ate brownies hot from the oven, watched a movie and giggled a lot. We had the whole next day to ourselves, too! She talked me into getting a "new look" at the salon, and we floated around in the pool without worrying about our kids falling in. :) My husband rocks!

Summertime

Things to do today...
wake up
eat waffles
see Lance off to work
get dressed
wear kids out
kids take nap, pick raspberries for an hour
kids wake up, eat lunch.
play outside in sprinkler & small plastic pool
administer discipline for spraying sister in face
eat popsicles
go on stroller walk
read books
wrestle
baths
bed

the leader

Lance to Hans: Hans, you are being a good leader. Can you say 'Leader'?
Hans: Yeeder.
Lance: Yes, you're in front, and you're showing us the way to go.
Hans: I a good yeeder?
Lance: Yes

Hans: ...Where we going?

How do I look?

"How do I look?"
Like a happy two-year old!














"Grampa Poole thinks I look like I could fit in at Virginia University."

Smokestack takes a Bath

Yesterday, our jaws nearly cracked the tile floor in the bathroom. Smokestack (Esther's nickname by Hans) readily agreed to take a bath. I know, I know, what's the big deal, right? Well, let me tell you... this was the first time in 1 1/2 years that she has ever willingly neared the bathwater. Usually, she turns into a cat and nearly claws me eyes out. She clings to me tighter than a bug on flypaper in the heat. But on this momentous occasion, she sat happily popping the bath bubbles while I scrubbed her down with a washcloth. I don't think she's ever gotten this clean on purpose. There's been a few times she's accidently sat in an ice puddle, or poured water on herself; in which case I eagerly mop her off-- taking advantage of the situation. I sometimes would try to give her sponge baths, so I'm not entirely negligent. Good smelling lotion definitely covers over a multitude of sins as well! Being that I prefer to keep my eyes in my head, I quit trying to bathe her. Now that she's into the whole bath scene, I guess I need to put more bubble bath on my list. I ran out of it last night....

Our 5th Anniversary!!

We left the kids here with the Pooles, and headed out for 48 hours of celebration of five years of marriage. Our first stop was to Cub where we took a small black cart around and stood for a long time in the chocolate aisle making tough choices. :) we could actually think without being interrupted!! We then went to the Cheesecake Factory, and then to a piano store where Lance found a 9-foot grand to play. Next stop was Centenial Lakes!
Lance had reserved a gondola ride for us at Centenial Lakes in Edina. The gondola is actually from Venice, and was SO much fun to ride in!! Our gondoleer, Casey, (pictured below) said that many couples have become engaged during such rides in his boat.









Casey. (on the clock he's known as "Luicciano")


















We stayed at an Inn right off the St. Croix in Stillwater, Minnesota. We dressed up in our original wedding gear and headed out around the old part of town for some pictures and cheers from pedestrians. Why not? You never get to wear it all again otherwise!! Celebrate your marriage!













Weather was perfect, relaxation was much needed and appreciated.


















Passers-by took pictures for us. People congratulated us, cars honked, and we enjoyed every second. -It's kind of strange when you later walk around, and no one's honking anymore. :) oh well, take what you can get!! The kids had a great time, and we are so grateful to Pooles for letting us get away. I am so thankful for a loving husband who cares about our marriage and keeps the love going. Thank you, Lance!! Isn't he cute?

More "isms"

Thought I'd add a few more Pooleisms to the list.....

Visiting a lake for the first time this spring, Esther perked up when she saw the water. Her eyes lit up as she exclaimed, "Puddle!!" She would only splash in the "puddle" if she was wearing her shoes...

Esther loves any living thing that moves. If she spots an ant hill on the driveway, she'll stop and say "hi" to every ant. She will then proceed to put both hands in the air and cry until I pick her up.... she doesn't want to squish any of her little friends.

Hans has been fascinated with the farming industry this spring. When questioned where certain crops grow, he'll tell you if it grows in a field, orchard, etc. He was questioning the origin of pizza one day, and I told him it was from our local grocery store. He, of course, said in a knowing tone,"no, mommy. Pizza comes from a pizza field." Of course. I knew that.

Hans discovered his wrists and ankles. He figured out what they are made of. He told me, "Hans have tool in there."

I am a budding artist, in my children's eyes. I was illustrating a small poster with the words, "The Lord is my shepherd" with a stick-shepherd. Clever, I thought. Hans insisted the poor man wear some clothes. So, I drew a shepherdy bathrobe-like garb on the man. Hans knew instantly what the clothes were called..."jammies!!"

Hans stubbed one of his toes. He explained the dire situation; "That piggy broken!!"

Makes sense to me.... what is the hard protective surface on top of your toes?
"toe fingernails!"

Hans is a mechanic at heart. When presented with the opportunity, he will scurry into the driver's seat, and pop the hood. He then tells Lance, "Daddy, check the oil." Lance replies, "I checked it yesterday!" Hans,"Check it again!!" Safety first.

No complaints

My day....
-Esther wakes up at 6:15.
-Lance feeds Esther and Hans breakfast since I am immovable.
- Hans, Esther, Annette, and I go to the plant nursery to purchase garden stuff.

-Both kids get scratched by nursery cat.
-Find an empty greenhouse to get out of cold wind. (I don't know if it got up to 60 degrees today or not...)
-Pull muscle in back in forsaken greenhouse while trying to pick up screaming daughter.
-Walk across nursery to car, avoiding cat. Put both kids in carseats without bending my back. Entertain kids in car without bending back. Annette finds out plight, drives us safely home.
-Lance gives wonderful backrub while Esther is napping and Hans is with Annette.
-Lance finds animal excrement on my shoe, dispelling fears that I was the stinky one.
-Bring Hans to doctor, find out he is not dying. :)
-I go to chiropractor, find out I am not dying either. Chiropractor uses some electrode mechanism on lower back that on a more intense scale may be used as capital punishment. Chiropractor also procedes to place high-tech ice cubes on me lower, lower, lower back (aka "rear") to "help". (I didn't know you had to go to medical school to put ice down peoples' pants!)
-I go to Starbucks to recoup. I forget about the frosty air and order a smoothie. I proceed to shiver and shake very similarily to the more expensive procedure I had formerly experienced. (Next time maybe I'll just skip right to Starbucks. ;)
-Go home, put Esther down for her second nap.
-Pull same muscle.
-Play in the dirt, eat great supper.
-Esther (1 1/2years old) pees on the potty 2nd time today.
-Esther runs around house without diaper, because I can't catch her and lift her to put a new one on.
-Esther piddles on floor.
-Hans takes bath.
-Hans pees in bath.
-Kids go to bed, and I find chocolate chips.
We had a great day today, and I just have to laugh at what life brings sometimes. I know this isn't in the hall of fame of funny, but this is just a somewhat-average day, a little taste of our life.

All is well

Hans is ok! We took him in today for the appointment to check on the mysterious lump on the back of his neck. The doctor said that he believes it is in fact an enlarged lymph node. He said that it is pretty common, and kids can have enlarged nodes from even a bug bite or being scratched from a comb or fingernail. Good to know. It was so scary, because it is pretty large for a little guy, and I guess it's human nature to always (for me) jump to the worst possible scenario. Thank Jesus that he is well! I too often take for granted what a blessing it is to have healthy children. On the other hand, thinking my child was possibly very endangered really drove me to prayer and a closer pursuit of our Lord. I can't really ever say that I would hope for my child to be on their death bed, but God is always in control and can work mightily even through such a terrible incident as that. I don't say that lightly, please don't interpret that wrong! I know several friends whose children are medically struggling, and it is really hard to see them suffering. Our Lord is powerful and omniscient.

No laughing matter

Kids get skinned knees. Kids get scratches, and bruises that seem to appear out of thin air. It's always a little scary to bring them in for their check-ups.... I'm always hoping the doctor realizes the marks are normal consequences of everyday play.
I found a lump on Hans' neck that is not from everyday wear & tear. About 9 months ago, at his normal, 2-year appointment, I asked the doctor about it. He thought that it was probably an enlarged lymph node from a cold. I proceeded to forget about it until recently when I rediscovered the lump, much larger than before. It's about the size of a dime, hard, and under his skin on the back right-hand side of his hairline. It's really making me very concerned. We have him scheduled to see our doctor on Tuesday afternoon after memorial day. I know this may seem very "motherish" and silly to be so concerned, but would you please pray for him? I'm trying not to be worried about what this could mean, but I really need to be more trusting of God. His ways are above ours, and His thoughts so much higher than ours. He knows what's best, and I need to really trust Him. I know this truth, but our hearts are still heavy.

Hans-isms

Hans has an interesting way of putting things.......
Smokestack- what he calls Esther's ponytail
Pack-pack- hitching a piggyback ride on someone
Kep-itch- ketchup
Noo-noo- name for his bike. The bell makes the sound, "noo-noo" when you ring it.
(not the usual "ding-ding.") He has special ears...
Tire-backer- chiropractor
Boo- what he calls uncle Lincoln. (he used to jump out to scare us and yell, "boo!")

Frequently asked questions..........
"What is that smell?"
"What is that noise?"

Frequent statements.....
"Hans EAT somefing!"
"Hans eat MEAT."
"Esther go nigh-night. Hans watch a movie!"
"Daddy strong, ... just like Hans!"
"Hans NEED..."
"Hans check e-mail!"

Hans' gift

I consider dandelions to be a flower. Now, anyway. My son is 2 & 1/2 and is the sweetest little boy on earth. After getting up on the wrong side, I, the cranky mommy, went to get yesterday's mail. upon returning to the house, my son was waiting for me just inside the front door. He handed me from his warm pocket a shriveled-up yellow flower of particular beauty. He was shy as he pressed into my hand the squished gem, his pudgy little hand soft in mine. As I hugged and thanked him for his gift, he smiled and tried to say, "I love you." I didn't cry, because I didn't want him to become confused and think he had done something wrong. I just hugged him again and gave the flowers a "dwink of water" as he calls it, in a little baby-food jar.
You can't buy those type of mother's day flowers anywhere. They're priceless.

Global Warming

Ah, yes, global warming is upon us. I can't believe the heat, the sinking polar bears, the, wait, what is this? winter in April? oh. my bad.

Sirens

My ears have been ringing on and off for a good two weeks.
The persistant chord of a very high A# and a C# not found in the range of a piano drive me near insanity. If a dog could hear it, I'm sure it would yowl in protest. Deer would run.
I finally asked myself, "why is this happening? Am I going deaf? Am I dying of some rare disease? Where is my chocolate?"
The answer, my friend, is blowing in the wind.
My daughter is teething. She's pretty sure she's dying, but it's just teeth. She either has absolutely NO pain tolerance, (plus a kick for being dramatic), or it really is quite painful to the general population to get eyeteeth and molars at the same time. She will not let me set her down without throwing herself upon the floor (thunking her head pretty well), and so she just hangs on me and screams bloody murder right into, you guessed it, my ear. Little Darling, we call her. She is, really. I feel bad for her. It's gotta hurt, don't you think? She's tired, because even with Tylenol and OraJel, she is highly miserable most of any 24 hour period. Can't sleep. Neither can we. I just lie awake and listen to the melodious sound of.... sirens.

Helping out with laundry